OPUA CRUISING CLUB

The friendliest club in the South Pacific

Fishing competition a great sucess

The Kids Fishing Competition at Opua Wharf on Sunday 28th December was a fantastic day out, with an amazing turnout and plenty of excitement along the wharf. Open to children aged 12 years and under, the event saw 79 kids registered on the day, making it a hugely popular summer highlight for local families.

A total of 85 fish were caught and weighed in, including 35 snapper, 7 kahawai, 31 bait fish, and 10 entries for the “craziest catch”, keeping both kids and spectators entertained throughout the day.

A huge thank you goes to our generous sponsors for the amazing prizes: Johnson Brothers, Burns Co, Coastal Marine and Civil, South Pacific Boat Sales, Far North District Council, Opua General Store, Bad Habits, ITM Haruru, Bay of Islands Auto & Marine, Cleagh Electrical, 4 Square Paihia, Russell Contracting, and The Galley at Opua Cruising Club. Your support helped make the day truly special for the kids.

Special thanks also to Peini and Barry for opening the kitchen early, Nicole for opening the bar early, and to our brilliant helpers on the day — Andy, John, Ian, Mike, Jen, and Paulette. Without your time and effort, the event simply wouldn’t have happened or run so smoothly.

It was a fun, relaxed day celebrating kids, fishing, and community spirit — one we’re sure will be remembered by many young anglers.

2026-01-15T15:19:04+13:0015 January 2026|General, News, Social|
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Commodores Report – January ’26

Thanks to everyone for holding things together over the busy Xmas / New Year period, it was a busy time while I was away.

Great reports on Paulette’s fishing competition on the Opua Wharf. There were over 70 kids and they had an awesome day with over 80 fish weighed in. Many thanks to all the sponsors for prizes, FNH for giving access to the wharf and Paulette’s effort putting it all together. The Club is keen to see what we can add to it next year if Paulette is happy to run it again.

The Christmas cruise organised by Ian Templeman had a delayed start due to weather but they headed from Oki Bay round Cape Brett to Whangamumu then down the coast to Whangaruru with various boats joining for different legs. A great cruise despite the low numbers, hopefully we can encourage more launch owners to come to the next BBQ / cruise on the 1st February.

In The Galley Peini had 3rd of January off so we hosted a Burger Night with a group of us cooking around 80 burgers in 3 hrs to provide food for members and visitors coming into the Club. The night was a good success and everyone seemed pretty happy and well fed by the end of the evening.

Bay of Islands Sailing Week – Monday night 19th to Friday 23rd

The Club is still open to everyone as usual but to simplify things after Monday night we close our inside bar and everything is sold through the Bay Sailing Week bars outside in the tents.

We have live music every night, it’s a good, fun vibe, so even if you are not involved in the racing please come on down and enjoy the fun. Apologies for any inconvenience for having the carpark closed for the race days while the tents are set up.

We have around 50 entries this year, down a bit from previous years but it looks like fresh winds which is certainly going to bring lots of excitement and chaos out on the water. There should be some good lies in the club after racing.

There will also be a merchandise stand inside the club if anyone would like to see the latest Sailing Week Fashion Styles.

Thanks again for everyone’s help and enthusiasm and hopefully see many of you enjoying the activities at the club over the next couple of weeks.

Cheers
Terry Dunn – OCC Commodore

From right to left… BOI Sailing Week last year, the team cooking burgers and Ian’s Christmas Cruise

Terry Dunn – OCC Commodore

Terry grew up in Wellington, learning to sail in extreme conditions and spending his formative years in the Sea Scouts rowing around on pitch black nights playing Smugglers and sinking the enemy. He has never lost his love of just “playing around in boats”.

He moved to the Bay of Islands in his twenties and purchased the classic gaff cutter Aorere. It was also the start of many years cruising the Bay of Islands, the Northland coast and offshore voyages to the Pacific.

In 1990, he started Great Escape Yacht Charters and Sailing School to provide affordable sailing options in the Bay. Over the years, he operated a fleet of 14 yachts, passing on his enthusiasm and love of sailing to Kiwis and international visitors alike.

Now retired, Terry is currently a relief skipper with the R Tucker Thompson, and we are delighted to have him as the Club’s Commodore this year.

2026-01-15T13:53:35+13:0014 January 2026|General|
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Car Park Closed 15th to 24th Jan.

In order to set up the venue infrastructure for Bay of Islands Sailing Week, the Opua Cruising Club car park will be closed from 6pm on Thursday the 15th January until Saturday the 24th January.

The Bay of Islands Sailing Week team and Opua Cruising Club apologise for any inconvenience. If you have any questions, please email admin@boisailingweek.org.nz

2026-01-15T13:50:15+13:007 January 2026|General, News, Social|
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New Year’s Cruise & BBQ

On New Year’s Day, Kotahi Rua (Les Alderton and his two granddaughters) and Libertee (Vera and Ernesto) welcomed the new year anchored in the beautiful waters of the Bay of Islands. It was a relaxed and enjoyable start to the celebrations, surrounded by calm seas and good company.

The following day, both vessels sailed north to Whangamumu Harbour, a stunning and historic location. There they were joined by After You II (Merry and myself), and together we enjoyed a very pleasant beach BBQ at the site of the old whaling station. The setting, steeped in history and natural beauty, made for a memorable afternoon of shared food, conversation, and camaraderie.

On Saturday morning, Kotahi Rua set off to return to the Bay of Islands, while After You II continued south to Whangaruru. Later that day, The Limit (Tom and Colleen) arrived in Whangamumu, adding to the gathering of club members enjoying the summer cruising season.

The following day saw Libertee return home, while After You II sailed back to Whangamumu to rejoin The Limit. That evening we spent another pleasant night together, enjoying good company, relaxed conversation, and the peaceful surroundings of the harbour.

The next day, all remaining boats made their way home, bringing to a close a thoroughly enjoyable New Year’s cruise.

2026-01-15T13:50:45+13:004 January 2026|General, News, Social|
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Bay of Islands Sailing Week

Bay of Islands Sailing Week is on from 19–23 January 2026, delivering four action-packed days of racing in the stunning Bay of Islands.

As one of New Zealand’s premier keelboat regattas, the event brings together top crews, competitive racing, and an unbeatable on-shore atmosphere, all set against one of the country’s most iconic sailing destinations.

Entries are open, so get your team registered by clicking here and be part of the summer’s ultimate sailing event. Find out everything you need to know and check out all the action on our website: boisailingweek.org.nz

2026-01-07T19:54:39+13:001 January 2026|General, News, Social|
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Opua General Store – Calendar Sponsor of the Month

Opua Cruising Club are thrilled to shine a spotlight on our club’s Sponsor of the Month for January, The Opua General Store.

Nestled on the waterfront at Opua, this beloved local hub embodies the spirit of community, welcoming cruisers, locals, visitors, and club members alike with friendly service, quality provisions, and that classic Kiwi general store charm.

Whether you’re stocking up for your boat, grabbing a coffee on the go, or picking up fresh sandwiches and hot snacks for a day out on the water Opua General Store has you covered. People praise the store’s great coffee, well-stocked shelves, and friendly staff, and its convenient location makes it a favourite stop for everyone exploring the waterfront and marina area.

From takeaway lunches and sweet treats to everyday essentials and ice-creams, it’s the go-to spot in Opua, perfect for families, cruisers, bikers on the Twin Coast Cycle Trail, and anyone enjoying the stunning Bay of Islands over summer.

Stop by and say hello to the team behind the counter and don’t forget to support the local businesses that help make our club and community thrive!

The Opua General Store
1 Beechey Street, Opua
Ph: +64 (0)9 402 7575
Em: admin@opuastore.co.nz

Open 7 days a week from 6.30am to 7pm

2026-07-31T11:38:34+12:001 January 2026|General, News, Social|
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Commodores Report – Dec’ 2025

Well, a busy month at the club and last week really topped it off. Friday had 30 for lunch from Kerikeri Retirement Village, on the Saturday a great visit from Tumeke Riders Club with around 100  motorbike riders calling into the club for an afternoon beer. This was followed by an awesome ‘non-Commodores party’ with music and entertainment by Mike Preece that got everyone dancing. Sunday we hosted the Northland National  Party Xmas luncheon with 60 guests having a superb meal from Peini in The Galley.

Many, many thanks to those who helped, especially Andy as vice Commodore, who, I am told, happily put his credit card on the bar just as I would have. There was a lot going on, unfortunately, I missed all of it as I am down in SubAntarctic islands with Finn Topzend, checking out the Penguins and Sea Lions.

It’s a windy, wild part of the world, 350 miles south of Stewart Island. When the trees only grow 6 feet high and are all bent one way, it’s a sign of something !!!

We are dropping off DOC workers at The Auckland Islands, then head to Campbell Islands tomorrow to drop off the last lot, then hopefully back to Invercargill for Xmas.

Paulette’s kids’ fishing competition on 28th December is the next big event, we have booked the Opua wharf and have lots of prizes, but again need lots of helpers. Please call Sheila in the office if you can help out.

Remember to please get your entry into Bay of Islands Sailing week so we can plan for the numbers. Xmas wishes to everyone and look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

Cheers
Terry Dunn – OCC Commodore

Southern Royal Albatross and New Zealand Fur Seals at the Auckland Islands

Terry Dunn – OCC Commodore

Terry grew up in Wellington, learning to sail in extreme conditions and spending his formative years in the Sea Scouts rowing around on pitch black nights playing Smugglers and sinking the enemy. He has never lost his love of just “playing around in boats”.

He moved to the Bay of Islands in his twenties and purchased the classic gaff cutter Aorere. It was also the start of many years cruising the Bay of Islands, the Northland coast and offshore voyages to the Pacific.

In 1990, he started Great Escape Yacht Charters and Sailing School to provide affordable sailing options in the Bay. Over the years, he operated a fleet of 14 yachts, passing on his enthusiasm and love of sailing to Kiwis and international visitors alike.

Now retired, Terry is currently a relief skipper with the R Tucker Thompson, and we are delighted to have him as the Club’s Commodore this year.

2026-01-15T13:51:45+13:0014 December 2025|General|
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Bay Cabs – Calendar Sponsor of the Month

 

Opua Cruising Club are thrilled to shine a spotlight on our club’s Sponsor of the Month, Bay Cabs.

For the last 18 months, Bay Cabs has been a trusted transport provider in the Bay of Islands, built on a reputation for reliability, professionalism, and genuine local care. What began as a small, community-focused taxi service in the mid-2024 has grown into a well-respected operation supporting both the people who call this region home and the many who arrive by sea to experience its beauty.

Bay Cabs has always taken pride in looking after those who make Opua such a vibrant boating hub. Visiting yachts—whether on a coastal hop, a Pacific crossing, or a seasonal stopover—can rely on Bay Cabs for efficient crew transfers, provisioning runs, and stress-free transport into Paihia, Kerikeri, or wherever the next errand leads. Skippers often remark on the convenience: no waiting around, no complicated arrangements, just dependable service from drivers who understand the ebb and flow of marina life.

Locals know Bay Cabs for the same reasons. Friendly drivers, clean vehicles, and a focus on safety and punctuality make the service a natural choice for everyday travel, medical appointments, shopping trips, or a night out without the worry of driving home. The team’s commitment to customer care is simple: every passenger should feel welcome, comfortable, and looked after—whether they live here full-time or are just passing through.

As Opua continues to grow as a gateway to the Bay of Islands, Bay Cabs remains dedicated to keeping the community moving. Whether you need a quick pickup from the marina, reliable late-night transport, or local knowledge only a seasoned driver can provide, Bay Cabs is ready to help.

Bay Cabs
Ph: +64 21 283 8494
Em: info@baycabs.co.nz
baycabs.co.nz

2026-07-31T11:38:49+12:001 December 2025|General, News, Social|
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